How to Dance with Fire Fans or Fire Fingers

Would you like to add fire fans or fire fingers to your fire performance routines? Are you a belly dancer who wants to add some spark to your shows? Fire fans and fingers are easy to learn and a great way to add a new dimension to your performances.

These instructions are for people who want to learn the moves UNLIT, BEFORE they perform with fire. Please do not attempt fire fans or fire fingers if you are not prepared for them. For instructions on performing with fire, please see my article, "How to Dance with Fire Poi."

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A pair of fire fans or a set of fire fingers, fitted to your own hands. Check out http://www.homeofpoi.com/ for great equipment.

1. MOVES WITH ARMS EXTENDED AT YOUR SIDES:
   * The Runner: Arms at side, one fan raises, the other lowers – running man style
   * The Swimmer: Same as above, but moving your arms in circles – forward and backward
   * Eagle: Arms extended, fingers facing out, flutter to front of body together, then extend – bird wing style
   * Angel: Arms extended, fingers facing out, raise and lower your hands at the same time – angel wing style
   * Extended Circle: Extend arms and spin your body in a circle, fans perpendicular to ground
   * Side Sweep: Swoop your arms at the side, creating figure 8s with each hand, each moving in the same direction
   * Alternating Side Sweep: Swoop your arms at the side, creating figure 8s with each hand, alternating time
   * Tiger Hands: Parallel figure 8s, hands at sides – over shoulders, under arm pits – spin in opposite directions, or same

2. MOVES WITH ARMS IN FRONT:
   * Waves: Hold fans horizontal, parallel to the ground, one over the other, raise and lower
   * Side Waves: Hold fans horizontal, parallel to the ground, next to each other, raise and lower, sway to the sides
   * Snake Hands: Thumbs together, swirl downward in an S-shape

3. MOVES WITH ARMS CROSSING:
   * Infinity: Swoop in front – out and in, each hand does a figure 8, different directions
   * Eternity: Same as above, but hands move in same direction
   * Waist Wrap: Wrap arms around your waist, fans parallel to ground, drop to knees
   * Butterfly: Arms spin inward, holding fans vertical, crossing arms wide
   * Robot: Extend arms, drop one hand in front of face, fingers perpendicular to ground, one hand behind head – extend again, and other side

4. IDEAS FOR DIFFERENT BODY POSITIONS:
   * Crouch down
   * On knees
   * On knees, leaning back, head to floor, hands overhead
   * Raise and lower body
   * Lunge – arms in front
   * Lunge – arms overhead
   * Wide-legged stance
   * Legs together
   * Legs crossed
   * Adjust tempo – fast, slow movements
   * Partner moves – hands come together, raise, then lower; mirror each other, facing; use same tempo

Tips & Warnings

• Always have a trained safety person with you when you light up! Make sure they know how to put out a pair of flaming wicks.
• Do not ever attempt fire poi if you feel you are not ready for it. There's no rush. Always do things at your own pace.
• Always practice WITHOUT fire first! Know the moves you're going to do and stick to them. On fire is NOT the time to try new moves!
• If you have long hair, tie it up and away from anywhere the flames might reach.
• Protect your head and your hair - wear a hat and/or spritz your hair with water beforehand.
• When your flames have completely expired, be careful not to touch the wicks of your poi or any metal parts until they have completely cooled. Also, do not place your wicks back into the fuel bucket until they are cool.
• Always wear clothing made of natural fibers, such as cotton, wool, or leather. They are less likely to catch on fire and won't melt into your skin, like synthetics will.

Resources

• Fire dancing teachers and performers in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Fire dancing teachers and performers around the world

[PABechko]

on 10/14/2008 Fascinating...

[brandy1123]

on 9/21/2008 great article ,but im afraid of fire, it hurts lol

[Pixie1976]

on 8/14/2008 WOW!

[aberrant]

on 8/7/2008 this is a crazy awesome article!

[duncan411]

on 8/6/2008 Cool article!